Brian Walmsley, 82, of Dartmouth, MA passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2023, surrounded by his beloved wife Suzanne and his three girls, fondly known as “The Birds.”
Born December 11, 1940, in New Bedford, MA, the son of the late Albert and Gertrude (Thompson) Walmsley and brother of the late Mark Walmsley, Brian lived in Dartmouth all of his life.
Brian was a 1958 graduate of Dartmouth High School, where he got into a bit of mischief but also excelled in sports, playing football, basketball and baseball. He continued playing basketball throughout his adult life. Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from American International College in 1965 and his Master of Education from Rhode Island College in 1970.
He was a social studies teacher in the Tiverton, RI school system for 29 years and was the proprietor of Walmsley’s Delivery Service which was founded by his father.
Brian found joy in life's simplest pleasures. He loved his daily walks in any weather, reading his newspapers, tending to his yard and puttering in his basement workshop. He was a devoted New England sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston Celtics and sports history. Brian enjoyed traveling with Sue after retirement, and they spent many winters together in Longboat Key, Florida with family and friends. They had amazing adventures exploring Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and many national parks. Round Hill Beach in Dartmouth was a special place for him. He frequently was the first to arrive and could often be seen taking a late afternoon swim as well.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Suzanne, and his three daughters: Karen Haueisen and her husband Scott of Norton, MA, Lynne Walmsley and her partner Aaron Berger of Dartmouth, MA, and Donna Hulme and her husband Tim of West Bridgewater, MA. He was Grandpa to five grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Julia and Kyle Neves, Erica Haueisen, and Ryan and Brendan Hulme and also leaves behind special neighbors who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Brian” along with many dear cousins and friends.
Brian will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 789 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brian’s memory to the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Gift Bequest Fund, 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, or to the Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Both provided invaluable services to Brian and his family in his later years. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.